Healthy Lawn: Here’s The Best Time To Mow In Northern Illinois

If you're just learning right now that there are better times for lawn mowing than other times, it's okay. I've been mowing lawns since I was a kid, and I had no idea that timing matters when it comes to lawn care and maintenance.

In Northern Illinois, we take our lawns seriously, maybe even more seriously than shoveling snow. Still, a lot of us are unknowingly mowing at the worst possible times, and it could be costing us that thick, green lawn we want (and that we're spending good money on).

So, when is the best time to mow here in our region of the state?

Don't Worry, I'm Not Telling You To Get Up At Dawn, Or To Push A Mower Around Your Yard After Dark

Mid-morning, roughly between 8am and 10am, is your sweet spot.

By then, the morning dew has dried off, which means you won’t be dealing with clumps of wet grass sticking to everything. At the same time, it’s still cool enough that your lawn won’t be stressed by the heat of the day.

Obviously, if there's a good time to mow there has to be a bad time to do it.

Early morning might seem like a good idea, but cutting wet grass can spread disease and leave behind uneven clumps. Midday mowing, especially during the summer, can stress your lawn when it’s already dealing with heat and sun. And mowing in the evening doesn’t give the grass enough time to recover before nighttime moisture sets in, which can invite lawn fungus.

Most Lawns In Northern Illinois Are Made Up Of Grasses That Grow Best In Spring And Fall

The majority of us are working with cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue. These grasses grow best in the spring and fall, but they can struggle during the hot, dry stretches of summer. That makes proper mowing habits even more important.

A few quick pro tips can make a big difference:

• Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time
• Keep your mower blades sharp for a clean cut
• Let grass clippings stay on the lawn because they act as a natural fertilizer
• Raise your mowing height during the summer to protect against heat stress

It’s easy to think mowing is just another chore to check off the list, but timing it right can mean greener grass, fewer weeds, and less watering.